For the second time in less than four months, I went to see rock's new supergroup Chickenfoot in Toronto, this time at the Sound Academy down on the waterfront. I love the band, loved the first show even more since they still had not released their self-titled debut at that point so all the songs were new and mysterious. Well for show # 2, I was definitely surprised when they played pretty much the exact same setlist as the first show. Given the fact they've been touring for well over 4 months now, I figured we might get a couple of the classics... some old Sammy/Mike tunes from that era of Van Halen, a Satriani shredder from the Extremist, or some RHCP. But it was the same show... long on energy and talent, short on songs (13 in total including the encore), about a 100 minute show. Let's make no mistake: these guys are seriously talented but this is a party band for old school rockers, so I'd expect to see a few other "covers" here as a shout-out to the 2400 fans that jammed the bar.
For 61 years old, Hagar can still scream. Satriani seemed content to take a backseat to the other showmen in the band but showed off his amazing pick work. Michael Anthony is highly underrated as a bass player and is as loud as a car horn with the backup vocals. And I don't think I've ever seen a drummer hit as hard as Chad Smith. He's an animal; John Bonham and Keith Moon come to mind.
Would have loved to have seen them in the Amphitheatre at Ontario Place, but that is probably a bit too big of a venue until they come up with another album. Until next time boys... lets see if you can dust a few classics (or covers) off for the next show. 7 out of 10.
Set List
Avenida Revolution
Soap On a Rope
Sexy Little Thing
Oh Yeah
Get It Up
Bitten By The Wolf
Down the Drain
My Kinda Girl
Learning To Fall
Turnin' Left
Future In the Past
Bad Motor Scooter
Highway Star
